Entries by Apex Business Advisors

SBA is Up and Running

Although most of the SBA personnel were considered “non-essential” staff during the recent government shutdown and were forced to take a (taxpayer) paid vacation, anyone needing an SBA backed loan during that time would vehemently disagree that they are non-essential. All SBA loan processing came to an abrupt halt, which meant any bank financed transactions […]

Be Certain of Selling Motivations

What reasons might you have to sell your business? Do your motivations change from day to day or week to week? Having a clear understanding of what is driving your interest to sell is critically important for you AND your advisors. A proper marketing strategy depends on understanding these motivations. If there are time limits […]

Best Time to Buy a Business?

Recent activity in our business is proving very profitable for buyers. They have found gems that others passed on. Any decent financial advisor will tell you that it is important to keep invested in a down market and even purchase as much as you can when the market is “cheap”. Many people burned by the […]

Small Business Confidence

The Midwest hasn’t been known as being on the cutting edge or being the leading indicator. However, there are positive signs of stability and growth in our world that might be lagging elsewhere. (Maybe it’s the press that keeps some people looking at the glass as half-empty, and maybe there is just a fine line […]

Cash Flow is King

It’s great being part of the entrepreneurial community in Kansas City where there are many great formats for meeting professionals in accounting, law, financial services, etc. One local group had a terrific networking lunch and learn.  If you weren’t able to attend the recent Entrepreneur’s Club meeting at Hereford House, you missed out on listening […]

Sell a Business to Cover Retirement?

“Don’t count on it” according to a recent article in the NYTimes. Not unless you have done some essential planning in advance. Here is what you need to do: Consistently set aside retirement savings. Choose the proper type of instruments for your investable assets. Know when to preserve your personal funds even if it might […]

Pricing a Business

What do sellers want when they sell their business? The best possible price of course (in cash)! The seller wants to be compensated for all their years of hard work developing a strong business. But what is the true value of the business? The company may have trademarks, patents, and other unique aspects to their […]

Due Diligence Time

When is it appropriate for a potential business buyer to ask for details of the seller beyond financial statements and tax returns? Normally, in the process of buying a business, the buyer will find teaser information on our website or another business-for-sale site and will ask for more information. After initial formalities, such as meeting […]

Commitment

Owning a business takes commitment. As any successful business owner would tell you, it takes focus and effort  to get through rough patches, employee problems, customer complaints, short cash positions, excessive receivables, government regulation, etc.  However, much like running a marathon, owning a business is for the long haul, and getting to the finish line […]

Taking Your Business to Market in 2013

If you didn’t sell your business prior to 2008 you may actually be fortunate. It may be hard to believe, but what if you had your big event (sold your business) and invested your gains in the booming market at the time? You probably would have lost 30% or more between 2008 and 2010. If […]